AN: Oh, I just had to write this! It just hit me like a brick, driving in my car. Normally, a song doesn't motivate me, but this one did. Ever really loved someone that you just couldn't be with? As always, I don't own a thing...

Derek picked up the phone and looked. It was Garcia. His heart beat faster; he willed it to slow down. He knew it wasn't going to be good; she rarely called at 2am anymore. "Hey, Baby Girl, what's up?" he whispered. Erica was sleeping in the bedroom; he didn't want to wake her up.

"Oh, Derek!" she sobbed. It was obvious that someone broke her heart tonight. Red rage filled him; his hands clenched into fists.

"Baby, what happened?" he said. "Is it Lynch?"

"Yes," she said, her words soft and sad. "He's just so… cruel sometimes. I.. just needed to talk to you. Only you…"

Morgan felt his heart shift. Everyday he felt like that, the driving need to be close to her, hold her, protect her. There was no denying it; he was as in love with her now as he was months ago. It was impossible- their jobs made it impossible. There were strict rules against fraternizing in the FBI, they would lose their jobs, and what they did for the general public was too important. So they made the selfless decision to stay apart.

It started with just some flirting, occasional dancing with the group, subtle gestures to each other. Then, a true, beautiful friendship happened. She knew how to ease his aching mind like no one else, touch his soul and make him whole. He would go to her, spend time with her after each mission, and come back renewed.

One night, they shared a bit too much to drink at her apartment. She made up the couch for him, like usual, and he was laying down. She leaned over to give him a chaste little kiss. A lack of inhibition made him pull her down on him and kiss her for all he was worth. The touch was natural, electric. They were made for each other. They couldn't get enough of each other's taste, skin, smell. It was inevitable; he deepened the kiss, picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. They slept together for the first time that night.

The next morning, instead of feeling awkward for sleeping with each other, they felt giddy and happy. It was like they knew this is where all their flirting and banter was leading them. They felt complete, whole. The only sobering thing was- they knew the rules.

Initially, they decided to hide it. They still flirted like usual, but there was a spark, an energy that was undeniable. The other profilers knew; they just didn't say a word. It wasn't until one day that Strauss came about and saw with her own eyes. They glowed together; there was no other word for it. Stauss immediately spoke with Hotch, who had the unpleasant duty of reminding the entire team that no fraternization was allowed.

Originally, Derek didn't give a shit. "Baby girl, there's no proof. They have to…"

Penelope was different. "Oh, my sweetness; she knows. And if we continue, more than just us will get in trouble."

"I don't care," Derek said defensively. He started to panic; he had never been so happy before, and he didn't want to lose that…lose her.

"Think, Derek," she said, her eyes welling up with tears. "They'll blame Hotch, then they'll break up the team. " She put her hands on his chest and looked at him with sad, resigned eyes. "I love them too much to do that, and I love you too much for you to lose what you love doing so much."

"Penelope," he said, softly. "You know how I feel about you."

Tears started to stream down her face. "The same as I do about you. That's why I have to let you go."

AN: Sorry for the break from the other story, but I just had to write this. Now, back to regular programming!